Plasma biochemistry and hematologic values for wild-caught flying foxes (Pteropus giganteus) in India.

Although bats of the genus Pteropus are important ecologically as pollinators and natural hosts for zoonotic pathogens, little is known about their basic physiology. Hematology and plasma biochemistries were determined from wild-caught flying foxes (Pteropus giganteus) in northern India (n=41). Mean lymphocyte differential count was higher for juveniles than adults. Mean platelet count was lower than previously reported. No hemoparasites were observed. No differences were observed between plasma biochemistry values of male and female bats, juveniles and adults, or lactating and nonlactating females. Variation in aspartate aminotransferase (AST) was seen based on body condition score. Blood urea nitrogen and cholesterol concentrations were lower in P. giganteus than other mammalian groups, but were consistent with those reported from other Pteropus species. Alanine aminotransferase and AST concentrations were higher than those reported for Pteropus vampyrus, a closely related species. This study provides basic physiologic information that can be used in future health and disease studies of Indian flying foxes.     

Development and validation of monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies for the detection of immunoglobulin G of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus).

Antibodies directed against species-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) have a broad range of applications in serologic and immunologic research and in the development of clinical assays. Validated anti-IgG antibodies for marine mammal species are in short supply. The objective of this study was to produce and validate antibodies with specificity for IgG of the common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). Bottlenose dolphin IgG was purified using protein G. Two mouse monoclonal antibodies and a rabbit polyclonal antibody were developed from mice and rabbits immunized with bottlenose dolphin IgG. The specificity of the monoclonal antibodies and the polyclonal antibody for bottlenose dolphin IgG was first verified by Western blot analysis and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). For further validation, both monoclonal antibodies and the polyclonal antibody were incorporated in an indirect ELISA for the detection of the immune response of bottlenose dolphins to a vaccine antigen. Three bottlenose dolphins were immunized with a commercial Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae vaccine, and serial blood samples were collected from all dolphins for measurement of levels of circulating antibodies. Seroconversion was observed in all 3 dolphins by use of both monoclonal antibodies and the polyclonal antibody. Circulating antibodies were detectable as early as 6 days after immunization in 1 dolphin. Peak antibody levels were detected 14 days after the immunization. The ability to detect seroconversion in all 3 immunized bottlenose dolphins firmly establishes the specificity of the monoclonal antibodies and the polyclonal antibody for IgG of the common bottlenose dolphin.     

No Evidence of Hendra Virus Infection in the Australian Flying‐fox Ectoparasite Genus Cyclopodia

Hendra virus (HeV) causes potentially fatal respiratory and/or neurological disease in both horses and humans. Although Australian flying‐foxes of the genus Pteropus have been identified as reservoir hosts, the precise mechanism of HeV transmission has yet to be elucidated. To date, there has been limited investigation into the role of haematophagous insects as vectors of HeV. This mode of transmission is particularly relevant because Australian flying‐foxes host the bat‐specific blood‐feeding ectoparasites of the genus Cyclopodia (Diptera: Nycteribiidae), also known as bat flies. Using molecular detection methods, we screened for HeV RNA in 183 bat flies collected from flying‐foxes inhabiting a roost in Boonah, Queensland, Australia. It was subsequently demonstrated that during the study period, Pteropus alecto in this roost had a HeV RNA prevalence between 2 and 15% (95% CI [1, 6] to [8, 26], respectively). We found no evidence of HeV in any bat flies tested, including 10 bat flies collected from P. alecto in which we detected HeV RNA. Our negative findings are consistent with previous findings and provide additional evidence that bat flies do not play a primary role in HeV transmission.     

A Pasteurella-like bacterium associated with pneumonia in captive megachiropterans.

A novel Pasteurella-like organism was recovered postmortem from lung tissue of two captive Wahlberg's epauleted fruit bats (Epomophorus wahlbergi), with severe, unilateral pneumonia. The bats had been recently shipped and died shortly after release from a 30-day quarantine. One presented with clinical signs of anorexia and lethargy before death; the other died without prior clinical symptoms. The same Pasteurella-like organism was recovered antemortem from subcutaneous abscesses in two captive little golden mantled flying foxes (Pteropus pumilus) housed with additional E. wahlbergi. The organism was also cultured on tracheal wash from one Malaysian flying fox (Pteropus vampyrus) and another E. wahlbergi, both demonstrating clinical signs of pneumonia. All recovered isolates appeared morphologically and biochemically similar to the initial isolates and were further characterized as either a Pasteurella or Actinobacillus organism on the basis of biochemical and cellular fatty acid profiles. Screening of the current collection using pharyngeal swabs isolated this organism from 12 of 15 E. wahlbergi, two of three P. vampyrus, one of 26 island flying foxes (Pteropus hypomelanus), and one of nine Rodrigues fruit bats (Pteropus rodricensis). The organism was not identified in pharyngeal culture from eight Indian flying foxes (Pteropus giganteus), nine Egyptian fruit bats (Rousettus aegypticus), or an additional 16 P. pumilus.     

Pathogenesis studies with Australian bat lyssavirus in grey-headed flying foxes (Pteropus poliocephalus)

OBJECTIVE: To examine the susceptibility of the grey-headed flying fox (Pteropus poliocephalus) to Australian bat lyssavirus (ABL), and to provide preliminary observations on the pathogenesis of the disease in flying foxes. PROCEDURE: Ten flying foxes were inoculated intramuscularly with ABL, and four with a bat-associated rabies virus. Inoculated animals were observed daily, and clinical samples collected every 9 to 14 days. Animals with abnormal clinical signs were euthanased, and samples collected for histological, serological, virological and immunohistological examinations. At 3 months post inoculation (PI), all survivors were euthanased, and each submitted to a similar examination. RESULTS: Three ABL-inoculated flying foxes, and two rabies-inoculated animals developed abnormal clinical signs between 15 and 24 days PI. All three ABL-inoculated animals had histological lesions consistent with a lyssavirus infection, and lyssaviral antigen was identified in the central nervous system (CNS) of each. Virus was isolated from the brain of two affected animals. Of the rabies-inoculated flying foxes, both had histological lesions and viral antigen in the CNS. Virus was recovered from the brain of only one. None of the five affected flying foxes developed anti-lyssavirus antibodies, but, by 3 months PI, five of the seven ABL-inoculated survivors, and one of the two rabies virus-inoculated survivors, had seroconverted. The dynamics of the immune responses were quite variable. CONCLUSIONS: The response of flying foxes to ABL, administered by a peripheral route of inoculation, was similar to that of bats inoculated peripherally with bat-derived rabies viruses.     

Use of an ELISA for detection of antibody responses in Argentine boa constrictors (Boa constrictor occidentalis)

OBJECTIVE: To develop mouse monoclonal and rabbit polyclonal antibodies against immunoglobulin of Argentine boa constrictors and to demonstrate the ability of these reagents to detect antibody responses in boa constrictors by use of an ELISA and western blot analysis. ANIMALS: Two 3-year-old Argentine boa constrictors. Procedure-Boa constrictors were immunized with 2,4-dinitrophenylated bovine serum albumin (DNP-BSA). Each snake received biweekly inoculations of 250 microg of DNP-BSA (half SC, half IP) for a total of 6 inoculations followed by monthly inoculations for 3 months. Preimmune blood samples were collected. Subsequently, blood was collected immediately prior to each booster inoculation. Anti-DNP antibodies were isolated from immune plasma samples by affinity chromatography. Affinity-purified boa anti-DNP immunoglobulin was used for production of polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies. An ELISA and western blot analysis were used to monitor immune responses, for purification of boa anti-DNP immunoglobulin, and for assessment of polyclonal and monoclonal antibody specificity. RESULTS: A 6-fold increase in optical density (OD405) of immune boa plasma, compared with preimmune plasma, was detected by the polyclonal antibody, and a 12- and 15-fold increase was detected by monoclonal antibodies HL1787 and HL1785, respectively, between weeks 4 and 8. Results of western blot analysis confirmed anti-DNP antibody activity in immunized boa plasma and in affinity column eluates. Polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies detected specific anti-DNP antibody responses in immunized boas. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies recognized boa constrictor immunoglobulin. These antibodies may be useful in serologic tests to determine exposure of snakes to pathogens.     

抗κ-酪蛋白单克隆抗体的制备及其特性鉴定

To obtain the anti-kappa casein monoclonal antibody and complete the identification of the antibody characteristics. The BALB/c mice were immunized with kappa casein using foot-pad immunization. Popliteal lymph node cells from the immunized mice were fused with SP2/0 myeloma cells in the presence of PEG. Three hybridoma strains (1C4, 3G3, 3E6) which secreted the antibody specific for kappa casein were obtained．The sub-class of the antibodies were IgG1. The ascites were purified by Protein G affinity layer absorption column. The antigenic epitope of 3G3 and 3E6 were different and it was close between 1C4 and 3E6.The titer of purified ascites(1C4) was 1.28×10⁶ and the affinity constant was 2.89×10⁸ mol/L. A anti-kappa casein monoclonal antibody with good affinity had been achieved，which provided foundations for the rapid detection of casein in bovine milk samples.     

Hendra Virus Infection in Horses: A Review on Emerging Mystery Paramyxovirus

Hendra virus (HeV) is a zoonotic paramyxovirus which causes acute and deadly infection in horses (Equus caballus). It is a rare and unmanaged emerging viral infection in horses which is harbored by bats of the genus Pteropus (Australian flying foxes or fruit bats). The virus is pleomorphic in shape and its genome contains nonsegmented negative-stranded RNA with 18234 nucleotides in length. The virus is transmitted from flying foxes to horses, horse to horse, and horse to humans. Human-to-human transmission of HeV infection is not reported yet. The infection of HeV in horses is highly variable and shows broad range of signs and lesions including distinct respiratory and neurological disorders. Currently, there are no specific antiviral drugs available for the treatment of HeV infection in horses. Vaccination is considered as prime option to prevent HeV infection in horses. A subunit vaccine, called as “Equivac HeV vaccine” has been approved recently for preventing this viral infection in horses. In addition, a plethora of common preventive strategies could help restrict the inter- and intra-species transmission of HeV. Considering the scanty but severe fatality cases of this mystery virus as well as lack of proper attention by veterinary scientists, this review article spotlights not only on the clinical signs, transmission, epidemiology, biology, pathogenesis, and diagnosis of HeV but also the preventive managements of this uncommon infection in horses by vaccination and other precautious strategies.     

Viral-derived DNA invasion and individual variation in an Indonesian population of large flying fox Pteropus vampyrus

Here, we performed next-generation sequencing (NGS) on six large flying foxes (Pteropus vampyrus) collected in Indonesia. Seventy-five virus species in the liver tissue of each specimen were listed. Viral homologous sequences in the bat genome were identified from the listed viruses. This finding provides collateral evidence of viral endogenization into the host genome. We found that two of the six specimens bore partial sequences that were homologous to the plant pathogens Geminiviridae and Luteoviridae. These sequences were absent in the P. vampyrus chromosomal sequences. Hence, plant viral homologous sequences were localized to the hepatocytes as extrachromosomal DNA fragments. Therefore, this suggests that the bat is a potential carrier or vector of plant viruses. The present investigation on wild animals offered novel perspectives on viral invasion, variation, and host interaction.     

Characterization of monoclonal antibodies against ovine Sarcocystis spp. antigens by immunoblotting and immuno-electron microscopy

Six monoclonal antibodies were raised in mice against purified cytozoite extracts of Sarcocystis gigantea and S. tenella from sheep. Each monoclonal antibody was evaluated for specificity by enzyme immunoassay, immunoblotting and immuno-electron microscopy using homologous and heterologous antigenic preparations. All six monoclonal antibodies exhibited good species-specificity when reacted against crude soluble cystozoite antigens in enzyme immunoassays. However, only two monoclonal antibodies (IgM and IgG2a) exhibited reactivity in Western blots against specific protein bands. Both reacted against S. gigantea antigens of 100,000, 43,000 and 39,000 molecular weight. Neither monoclonal antibody reacted against the heterologous species S. tenella. Ultrastructural studies performed with colloidal-gold conjugated antisera revealed that both monoclonal antibodies reacted against antigens located around micronemes and amylopectin granules in S. gigantea cystozoites. Another monoclonal antibody (IgGI) reacted only against microneme determinants in S. tenella cystozoites. In contrast, polyclonal sheep and rabbit immune sera cross-reacted against a wide range of cystozoite antigens.     

Neuro-angiostrongylosis in wild Black and Grey-headed flying foxes (Pteropus spp)

OBJECTIVE: To identify nematodes seen in histological sections of brains of flying foxes (fruit bats) and describe the associated clinical disease and pathology. PROCEDURES: Gross and histological examination of brains from 86 free-living flying foxes with neurological disease was done as part of an ongoing surveillance program for Australian bat lyssavirus. Worms were recovered, or if seen in histological sections, extracted by maceration of half the brain and identified by microscopic examination. Histological archives were also reviewed. RESULTS: There was histological evidence of angiostrongylosis in 16 of 86 recently submitted flying foxes with neurological disease and in one archival case from 1992. In 10 flying foxes, worms were definitively identified as Angiostrongylus cantonensis fifth-stage larvae. A worm fragment and third stage larvae were identified as Angiostrongylus sp, presumably A cantonensis, in a further three cases. The clinical picture was dominated by paresis, particularly of the hindlimbs, and depression, with flying foxes surviving up to 22 days in the care of wildlife volunteers. Brains containing fifth-stage larvae showed a moderate to severe eosinophilic and granulomatous meningoencephalitis (n = 14), whereas there was virtually no inflammation of the brains of bats which died when infected with only smaller, third-stage larvae (n = 3). There was no histological evidence of pulmonary involvement. CONCLUSION: This is the first report of the recovery and identification of A cantonensis from free-living Australian wildlife. While angiostrongylosis is a common cause of paresis in flying foxes, the initial clinical course cannot be differentiated from Australian bat lyssavirus infection, and wildlife carers should be urged not to attempt to rehabilitate flying foxes with neurological disease.     

Radiographic evaluation of cardiac size in flying fox species (Pteropus rodricensis, P. hypomelanus, and P. vampyrus).

Dilated cardiomyopathy is a relatively common pathology in captive flying foxes (Pteropus spp.). The goal of this study was to establish quantitative reference range measurements that could be used to support a diagnosis of cardiac disease in these animals. Lateral and ventrodorsal thoracic radiographs from apparently healthy flying foxes (n = 66) of three species (Rodriguez island flying fox, P. rodricensis, n = 18; small island flying fox, P. hypomelanus, n = 16; and Malaysian flying fox, P. vampyrus, n = 32) were evaluated objectively to describe the cardiac appearance. Absolute and relative cardiac dimensions also were measured. The same methods were used to evaluate radiographs from flying foxes (n = 9) with known dilated or acute cardiomyopathy. The following ratios were most appropriate for categorizing normal cardiac silhouette size. In the ventrodorsal projection, heart width to thoracic width and heart width to clavicle length were the preferred measurements. In the lateral projection, heart width compared with thoracic height was the preferred measurement. From radiographs of the bats with known dilated and acute cardiomyopathy, the apicobasilar heart length compared with thoracic height and heart width compared with thoracic height on lateral films were the most sensitive ratios for diagnosing cardiomegaly.     

Monoclonal antibodies to the Sp strain of infectious pancreatic necrosis virus

Twelve hybrids secreting antibody to the Sp serotype of infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV) were isolated from the fusion of murine myeloma cells and spleen cells from mice immunized with pelleted virus. All of the monoclonal antibodies possessed the kappa (K) light chain isotype. Nine contained the mu (M), two had the gamma 2a (G2a), and one had the gamma 1 (G1) heavy chain isotype. Using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), 10 antibodies were found to be broadly reactive against partially purified representatives of the three serotypes of IPNV, the Sp, Ab, and VR-299 strains. The other two antibodies reacted with the Sp serotype alone. Characterization by immunostaining of viral polypeptides electrophoretically transferred to nitrocellulose sheets was possible only with IgG type antibodies. One of the specific monoclonal antibodies was shown to be directed against the major capsid protein while the other specific monoclonal antibody and the broadly reacting one reacted with the low molecular weight viral polypeptides.     

麋鹿重组朊蛋白单克隆抗体的制备及初步鉴定

为研制鹿慢性消耗性疾病(chronic wasting disease,CWD)单克隆抗体,本研究以原核表达后经纯化的麋鹿重组成熟朊蛋白(PrP^c)为免疫原免疫PrP^c基因敲除小鼠(PrP^c-null mice)。两次加强免疫后,利用淋巴细胞杂交瘤技术,取脾细胞与SP2/0骨髓瘤细胞进行细胞融合,间接ELISA方法筛选阳性杂交瘤细胞,采用3次有限稀释法实现杂交瘤细胞的亚克隆,筛选出5株能稳定分泌针对麋鹿重组成熟朊蛋白特异性单克隆杭体(McAbs)的杂交瘤细胞株5A5、3B2、6D12、5E3、1F5,其腹水ELISA效价均达到1∶10000以上。经鉴定,5株单抗均为IgG抗体,5A5、6D12、5E3株为IgG1亚类,3B2、1F5株为IgG2a亚类。Western blotting鉴定结果表明,获得的McAbs均能特异性识别麋鹿重组成熟朊蛋白和健康麋鹿脑组织匀浆中的PrP^c。本研究制备了CWD腹水McAbs,同时也为CWD的研究及其诊断方法的建立奠定了基础。     

Measurement of canine IgE using the alpha chain of the human high affinity IgE receptor

In vitro assays for allergen specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) are a convenient and reproducible alternative to intradermal skin testing in dogs. Such tests may be used to support a diagnosis of atopic dermatitis and to define appropriate allergens for immunotherapy. Current in vitro assays rely upon monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies as IgE detection reagents. However, in sera where allergen-specific IgG occurs in great excess, any IgE:IgG cross-reactivity of the detection reagent may result in lowered assay specificity. Therefore, we have developed an assay for canine IgE which uses a recombinant form of the extracellular part of the alpha chain of the human high affinity IgE receptor (FcvarepsilonRIalpha). Biotinylated FcvarepsilonRIalpha shows no significant binding to purified canine IgG, and recognizes a heat labile antibody in serum, with a detection limit of 73-146pg/ml. Comparison of assay signals using the labeled FcvarepsilonRIalpha and a highly specific anti-canine IgE monoclonal antibody (MAb) shows good agreement. The FcvarepsilonRIalpha is therefore a sensitive and specific alternative to polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies for canine serum IgE measurement.     

H9N2亚型禽流感病毒中和单克隆抗体的制备与应用

为建立H9N2亚型禽流感病毒（Avian influenza virus,AIV）免疫层析快速检测技术,本研究以差速离心法纯化H9N2亚型AIV免疫BALB/c小鼠,将免疫小鼠脾细胞与骨髓瘤细胞SP2/0进行细胞融合和HAT选择性培养;以H9N2亚型AIV感染MDCK细胞建立异源免疫过氧化物酶单层细胞试验（IPMA）的单克隆抗体检测方法,通过对杂交瘤细胞的IPMA筛选和连续克隆化筛选鉴定抗H9N2亚型AIV中和性单克隆抗体;以胶体金标记HA单克隆抗体,配对HA单克隆抗体和羊抗小鼠IgG为检测线和质控线,制备H9N2亚型AIV快速检测试纸条,测定其特异性和敏感性。结果显示,获得了11株稳定分泌抗H9N2亚型AIV单克隆抗体的杂交瘤细胞,其单克隆抗体腹水IPMA效价在1.28×10^-4至2.56×10^-5之间。单克隆抗体3A2、5H6、6B8、7E10和9G12血凝抑制试验（HI）显示血凝抑制活性,其（HI）效价在6log2~9log2之间。单克隆抗体3A2、6B8和9G12在病毒中和试验中对H9N2亚型AIV有显著病毒中和活性,中和效价分别1∶6 400、1∶25 600和1∶25 600。Western blotting结果提示,该中和单克隆抗体识别HA蛋白线性抗原表位。利用配对单克隆抗体3A2和9G12研制的H9N2亚型AIV检测试纸条检测H9N2亚型AIV尿囊液的效价为9log2,灵敏度与经典血凝试验（HA）相当,与其他亚型AIV （H1、H3、H5、H7）,以及新城疫病毒和鸡传染性法氏囊病病毒等相关病毒均无交叉反应。本研究制备了具有病毒中和活性的抗H9N2亚型AIV单克隆抗体,并初步研制了H9N2亚型AIV检测试纸条,为H9N2亚型AIV新型疫苗研制和快速检测奠定良好的研究基础。     

Epizootology and experimental infection of Yokose virus in bats

To reveal whether bats serve as an amplifying host for Yokose virus (YOKV), we conducted a serological survey and experimentally infected fruit bats with YOKV isolated from microbats in Japan. YOKV belongs to the Entebbe bat virus group of vector unknown group within the genus Flavivirus and family Flaviviridae. To detect antibodies against YOKV, we developed an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using biotinylated anti-bat IgG rabbit sera. Serological surveillance was conducted with samples collected in the Philippines and the sera supplied from Malaysia. One of the 36 samples from the Philippines (2.7%) and 5 of the 26 samples from Malaysia (19%) had detectable ELISA antibodies. In the experimental infections, no clinical signs of disease were observed. Moreover, no significant viral genome amplification was detected. These findings revealed that YOKV replicates poorly in the fruit bat, suggesting that fruit bats do not seem to serve as an amplifying host for YOKV.     

对虾白斑综合症病毒双抗体夹心ELISA方法的建立

用将纯化的对虾白斑综合症病毒VP28蛋白免疫BALB/c小鼠,分离免疫鼠脾细胞,与SP2/0细胞融合,经间接ELISA筛选,得到了2株（2G9,3E5）可以稳定分泌抗对虾白斑综合症病毒特异性单抗的杂交瘤细胞株。用纯化的VP28蛋白免疫家兔,按常规方法制备多抗。选用单抗（3E5）包被ELISA板,用兔多抗作为捕获抗体,建立了对虾白斑综合症病毒的双抗体夹心ELISA检测方法。该方法具有良好的特异性和敏感性,为对虾白斑综合症病毒的检测提供了有效工具。     

Monoclonal antibodies against porcine immunoglobulin isotypes

Monoclonal antibodies (MCAs) against porcine immunoglobulin isotypes* G, G1, G2, M and A have been produced and characterized in detail. Epitope analysis using a competitive direct enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) indicated that the MCAs recognized 3 class-specific epitopes of IgG, 4 epitopes specific for IgG1, 3 epitopes specific for IgG2, 2 epitopes of IgM and 2 epitopes of IgA. Two MCAs against IgG2 were shown to react with an allotypic determinant (B2) and one MCA against IgM is probably allotype specific. The production of MCAs specific for IgG and for its subclasses G1 and G2 and, in addition, the one-step isolation of nearly pure IgG1 and IgG2 preparations by immunoaffinity chromatography using MCA 34.1.1a (anti-IgG2) confirmed the existence of at least two subclasses of IgG. Preliminary results further suggested the existence of a subpopulation of IgG1 which could be eluted selectively from Protein A-Sepharose columns at pH 5.0. MCA 34.17.2a appeared to react preferentially with this IgG1 subpopulation and could be used to isolate a similar IgG1 subpopulation by immuno-affinity chromatography. Several of the MCAs have been successfully applied for the detection of porcine immunoglobulin isotypes by a double antibody sandwich ELISA and for the (isotype-specific) detection of antibodies against various porcine viruses. The availability of a full set of MCAs against porcine immunoglobulin isotypes will stimulate and facilitate the further study of the porcine immune system.     

The rabies viruses of bats

In the 1930s rabies was shown to affect blood-, insect- and fruit-eating bats. We have prepared anti-nucleocapsid monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) using Mokola and bat (Lagos, Duvenhage and Denmark) rabies viruses as immunogens. With these MAbs we have examined rabies viruses from vampire, insectivorous and frugivorous bats from the Americas, Africa, Europe and the Soviet Union and have compared them with isolates from terrestrial species including man. As well as confirming the findings of others with viruses of African and American bat origin, the results revealed the presence of a second biotype in European bats and demonstrated the presence of serotype 1 as well as serotype 4 viruses in bats of the Soviet Union.